Le Marche’s capital beat finalists Forlì, Anagni, Catania, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Gravina in Puglia, Massa, Mirabella Eclano, Sarzana and Tarquinia to scoop the award, which comes with a €1 million government grant to spend on cultural heritage projects.
The port city won over the judges with a submission that "connects cultural policies with broader dimensions of urban regeneration, social inclusion, and participation," the culture ministry said.
Ancona Mayor Daniele Silvetti wrote on social media that the honour was “a dream come true, built day by day with passion, sacrifice and pride.”
This year’s title-holder is the Abruzzo regional capital of L’Aquila, which is still rebuilding after suffering a devastating earthquake in 2009.
READ ALSO: L'Aquila: What makes Italy's earthquake-hit town the 2026 Capital of Culture
The city has organised a programme of 300 cultural events over 300 days which asks visitors to reflect on the themes of resilience and heritage.
The designation will pass next year to Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Pordenone, nicknamed "the painted city" due to its many frescoed buildings.
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